Dear Editor:
Quick – what are the first three words that flash through your mind when you hear the word “beach”? Swimming? Picnics? Boating?
How many of you flashed on “indoor art gallery?” Or “trendy restaurant?”
Swimming, french fries (with a sprinkle of sand), seagulls squawking over a dropped bit of hot dog bun, boating: these are summer beach associations. The indoor art gallery, trendy eatery and other associated development ideas, while having some appeal to some people, do not belong on this stretch of waterfront.
Over several decades previous West Vancouver councils worked at acquiring and returning the Ambleside area waterfront into an inviting nature space. This constitutes revitalization of the area.
Construction of new buildings, especially for-profit, constitutes commercialization. The Dundarave beach already has a waterfront restaurant. West Van does not really need one every few kilometres. Visiting an indoor art gallery is for viewing the art work displayed, not gazing outside. Visiting the beach/parks/forest trails is for restoring oneself, appreciating nature and as a reprieve from commercialism.
For the Ambleside area, please limit buildings and businesses to north of the railway tracks. The historic Ferry Building and sailing club may be grandfathered but any further building added to the area negates the efforts of earlier councils in providing this wonderful stretch of open green space.
Lucille Hoover
West Vancouver
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